Defining the Different Types of Cholesterol

It's common to hear generalizations such as “LDL is bad cholesterol, and HDL is good cholesterol.” But in reality, both LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol are far more complex. There are multiple subtypes of both, and some of those cholesterol types are good and some are bad. So, it‘s not just about how high your LDL cholesterol is. It's about what types of LDL cholesterol you have, and how much. The same goes for HDL cholesterol.

Learn what Types of Cholesterol are Good, Bad and Worst

Let's take LDL for example. LDL cholesterol particles can be large and buoyant or small and dense, and they're not created equal. It's the small, dense LDL particles that can readily enter compromised arterial walls and fuel the inflammatory process. The large buoyant particles are less apt to act in that way. So it stands to reason that having a greater number of small LDL cholesterol particles puts you at higher risk for heart diseasethan if your LDL cholesterol is mostly the larger, more buoyant type.

High levels of small LDL cholesterol is of particular concern when the blood also contains a lot of Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a)—the most dangerous of the blood lipids. Lp(a)s are specific types of small LDL cholesterol particle that inflames the blood and makes it sticky—making it more prone to clotting.

Similarly, there are types of HDL cholesterol—as well as significant differences in how efficiently they remove excess lipids. Just like LDL cholesterol, not all HDL cholesterol is created equal.You want to be high in the most functional HDL cholesterol subgroup, HDL2.

Determining Your Types of Cholesterol

All of this means that your basic total cholesterol reading really doesn‘t mean much unless it‘s exceptionally high. What truly informs you and your doctor of your risk is the types of cholesterol fraction patterns you have—large or small LDL, and high functioning or low functioning HDL.

DISCLAIMER: The content of DrSinatra.com is offered on an informational basis only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider before making any adjustment to a medication or treatment you are currently using, and/or starting any new medication or treatment. All recommendations are "generally informational" and not specifically applicable to any individual's medical problems, concerns and/or needs.

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